This week is CMHA's 67th Mental Health Week. It's a week to take stock of your self-care, strengthen our understanding of what mental health is and acknowledge that your mental health is as important as your physical health.
Mental Health is surrounded by stigma yet according to Statistics Canada's 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) on Mental Health, 5.4% of Canadians 15 years and older reported symptoms for a mood disorder in the previous 12 months, including 4.7% for major depression and 1.5% for bipolar disorder.
Almost 1 in 8 adults (12.6%) reported symptoms for a mood disorder at some point during their lifetime, including 11.3% for depression and 2.6% for bipolar disorder.
Yet mental health is not only mental illness, and, just like physical health, you can look at ways to thrive instead of just survive. Having strong relationships, ties to your community, having a sense of purpose and managing stress well will all contribute to more resiliency.
We all face difficulties that, at times, could use the help of a professional. The Employee and Family Assistance Program provides continuing members with free, confidential counselling. This can be done over the phone, by email or face-to-face. If you're experiencing difficulties accessing EFAP or there are any concerns, please contact APSA.
Resources:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/mental-illness/what-depression.html